Morocco and Suriname have launched talks to deepen cooperation on soil research and sustainable agriculture, officials said, a move aimed at boosting crop yields, improving food security, and expanding regional agricultural expertise.
Delegations from Suriname met with Moroccan experts to discuss joint initiatives on soil fertility mapping, field sampling, and the testing of fertilizers in key Surinamese agricultural zones, including the Nickerie district, a major rice-producing area. Moroccan officials pledged to share their expertise in chemical and organic fertilization techniques, soil management practices, and sustainable agricultural approaches.
“Morocco is ready to provide technical support and knowledge to Suriname to strengthen agricultural productivity and ensure food security,” said a Moroccan government representative, without specifying financial commitments.
The discussions also highlighted investment opportunities, focusing on strengthening the fertilizer supply chain, expanding local production, and facilitating imports. Morocco, a global leader in phosphate production, controls approximately 70 percent of the world’s phosphate reserves. These reserves are managed by the OCP Group, which has played a central role in promoting fertilizers as essential tools for soil health and sustainable agriculture worldwide.
OCP has partnered with farmers across Africa and other regions, offering training and guidance on proper fertilization techniques to increase yields while protecting the environment. The company has also been involved in international projects, including supplying India with 2.5 million tons of fertilizer during the 2025–2026 season to secure the country’s food production chains.
The cooperation with Suriname forms part of Morocco’s broader strategy to expand its influence in sustainable agriculture and global fertilizer markets. Under its 2023–2027 plan, Morocco aims to increase fertilizer production capacity from 12 million tons to 20 million tons by 2027. The plan involves a $13 billion investment to expand mining and manufacturing operations and achieve full carbon neutrality in industrial facilities by 2040. All OCP operations are set to transition to renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and cogeneration, by 2027.
For Suriname, the partnership offers an opportunity to leverage Moroccan expertise to improve soil fertility assessments, optimize fertilizer use, and strengthen local agricultural productivity. Enhanced soil mapping and better nutrient management are expected to help farmers increase yields, reduce environmental impact, and improve food security across the country.
Officials from both nations stressed that the collaboration is not limited to technical support but also aims to foster long-term investment and trade ties in the agricultural sector. “By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can strengthen regional food systems while opening new avenues for economic cooperation,” said a Surinamese delegation member.
Morocco’s position as a global phosphate powerhouse gives it a strategic advantage in fertilizer production and sustainable agriculture. Its collaboration with Suriname is seen as a model for South-South cooperation, linking a major producer of agricultural inputs with a country seeking to modernize its farming sector.
The partnership is also expected to support broader goals of sustainable development, including environmental protection, climate-smart farming, and responsible use of natural resources. By combining Morocco’s expertise and Suriname’s agricultural potential, the two countries aim to improve food security, enhance economic growth, and strengthen bilateral relations.
The agreement comes amid growing global attention on sustainable agriculture and soil health, with both nations positioning themselves to benefit from international expertise, trade opportunities, and innovations in fertilizer and soil management.
